What Is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique that involves lightly scraping the skin with a special handheld tool. This painless procedure is typically done on the back of the neck or on the back itself, with long or short strokes following specific energy lines.
Gua Sha raises tiny pinpoint red or purplish marks on the skin called “petechiae.” The marks generally last a few days to a week and are not painful or uncomfortable. Gua Sha does not damage the skin or underlying tissues.
WHAT DOES GUA SHA TREAT?
By raising petechiae, Gua Sha sets off a cascade effect in the immune system, bringing natural antibodies to the local area. This makes Gua Sha an excellent treatment option in the early stages of a cold or flu, particularly when there is stiffness and body aches. By boosting the immune system, Gua Sha can help the body ward off exterior pathogenic factors that might otherwise manifest into full-blown illness or it can shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Scientific research indicates that a single Gua Sha treatment can result in a significant boost to the immune system.
Gua Sha is also a great way to relieve pain because it promotes blood flow to a specific area of the body and helps the body to release anti-inflammatory agents. Typically, Gua Sha is used to treat tight muscles in the neck and upper back, but may also be used on wrists, knees, and even the bottoms of the feet to promote circulation.